The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to build off being the No. 1 seed in the 2020-21 season as they enter a new season of championship contention. They have a superstar leader in Joel Embiid and they made a couple of additions that should make his life easier.
One was the addition of Andre Drummond who will fill the backup role behind Embiid as the season gets set to begin. The other is adding Georges Niang who brings high basketball IQ and sharpshooting as the backup power forward.
Niang shot 42.5% from deep on 4.1 attempts with the Utah Jazz in the previous season and he was a big help off their bench. As the season gets set to begin, he is ready to make life easier for Embiid out on the floor as he believes he understands his role.
“I think I have a pretty good idea,” Niang joked at practice on Monday. “Make sure my guy doesn’t get in Joel’s way so Joel can go score, yeah, space the floor.”
Embiid attracts a double team immediately on the floor on every possession and that is what makes him and the Sixers so dangerous. Philadelphia can surround him with shooters and just let the offense flow that way. Seth Curry, for example, was able to have a big season playing next to Embiid as hr shot 45% from deep on all of the open looks he received.
“If that’s the case, I’m gonna go home and celebrate right now,” Niang laughed. “Playing with Joel, I’ve said it before, when he walks onto the floor, he attracts a double team so to have him on the court at the same time is a joy for sure.”
There is a lot that Niang can bring to this team. The Sixers are going to benefit from all of the skills he brings to the table and that is something that is going to be a big help to this team off the bench. His shooting is going to be very beneficial to Embiid, especially, when he is on the floor with the big fella.
“Obviously, my job is to space the floor and when my guy takes away my 3-point shot, create for others,” Niang expanded. “Be one of the multiple ball-handlers out there that can facilitate the offense when stuff gets taken away, but mainly to take away space and be a guy with size who can guard multiple positions.”
Philadelphia will have one more practice day on Tuesday before their season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans on the road on Wednesday.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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